Arts & Healing

THE HEALING POWER OF THE ARTS

The global pandemic impacts everyone. Many, to cope with the lockdowns and restrictions, have turned to artistic expression to cope with everything from anxiety to boredom related to the novel corona virus. Why? Research shows that artistic expression has a powerful effect on the psyche. From children to the elderly, nonpharmacological approaches to healing are finding their ways into mainstream thinking. For Palm City resident, Karen Vaina, the downtime associated with Covid-19 motivated her to write personal essays and try graphite drawing. She finds the activities relaxing and helps her forget the challenges going around her. In this special section, learn how she and other residents are channeling their inner creativity. Also, we will take a closer look at the healing power of the arts and how some local artists and visionaries are bringing the practice to children and patients across the Treasure Coast.

GOOD VIBRATIONS:

HEALING WITH STRING MUSIC

Accomplished cellist and musician Jacqueline Robbins spent a lifetime performing in orchestras, symphonies and opera houses and realized early on in her career the benefits of music in the healing process. In the 1970s a female artist at the end stages of her life requested Jacqueline play the cello for her to help manage her pain. As she performed for her friend outdoors, Jacqueline witnessed her friend experience calm and pleasure, and noticed she was no longer focused on her chronic pain. From that point on, when on tour Jacqueline would always seek out opportunities to play at hospitals, hospice centers and nursing homes. When her father was at the end of his life, she traveled to Florida to play jazz music for him. “He started singing along and then I would accompany him,” remembered Jaqueline. “He was laughing and smiling and not in pain. That’s when I realized that the brain took over wherever it wanted you to go.” Jacqueline became fascinated in neuroscience and how music impacts the brain and emotions and became a certified clinical musician.

Now residing in Jensen Beach and having shared her music with hundreds of patients for more than 40 years, she would recommend anyone who wants to do arts therapy whether interactive or just offering a creative gift to do it. She believes firmly, “both the artist and the recipient in the circle of this interaction benefits.” For more information about Jacqueline Robbins’ services as a certified clinical musician visit her website at https://jackierobbins.net/ or email her at Robbins.Jacqueline@gmail. com.

Jaqueline Robbins, a cellist and certified clinical musician, sends good vibrations with music therapy at Hospice, local assisted living facilities or in your home.

HEALING ARTS MEDICINE

Barbara Hoffman describes herself as a life-long arts advocate. As the former executive director of the Cultural Council of Indian River, Barbara came across and was struck by the work taking place within the Arts in Medicine Program at the University of Florida. She remembered how her late father, who had been a violinist, responded to music toward the end of his life. A cancer survivor herself, she approached a local oncologist, Dr. Raul E. Storey with an idea for his patients undergoing chemotherapy. What if artists were paired with patients to create art while undergoing treatment? What would happen? Dr. Storey was intrigued and said yes to a program she developed. Healing Arts Medicine was formed and over time contracted and trained twelve artists to interact with patients which included painters, writers and musicians. Immediately, the atmosphere in the treatment area changed from a quiet, tense mood to one filled with vibrancy. The artists bonded with the staff, patients, and fellow art therapists. Research shows that art in medicine helps relieve stress and anxiety. Dr. Storey and his staff observed firsthand that patients appeared more relaxed and positive. When the pandemic arrived, all in-person artists visits stopped. Patients, instead, were given iPads loaded with art apps to use during treatment or could select from an array individualized art project packets to be completed during treatment or at home. Many of the colorful works created by patients were turned into greeting cards. Barbara plans for the program to return in the fall and is looking to expand the program to other oncology and dialysis treatment centers throughout Florida. Visit the site to learn more about an exciting fundraiser for the program featuring Spanish Artist Antonio Azzato who plans to donate 50 Las Meninas sculptures to be painted and auctioned off to the highest bidder. https://www. healingartsmedicine.com/

FEELING LUCKY

EXCERPT FROM KAREN VAINA

Born on this day, May 7, 1945, I imagine that my mother, greeted by my father in the hospital room in New Jersey, heard the news that not only did they have a little girl to join a big brother, but that World War II finally ended in Europe. They, too, must have felt lucky. I am the only one who is still alive in the multigenerational family that sat at the picnic table in our kitchen each night. Most of the people at that table would experience tough times in years to come – divorces, relatively early deaths, separations from their children, all the events that life unexpectedly brings. Lucky and grateful, though, are really not quite synonymous. Lucky has nothing to do with what you do. Grateful is that you realize what you have. I am grateful that I was raised by a loving and kind grandmother. Grateful that I have everything in life that I would ever want or need….and much more that I realize I never needed. I am grateful that I had the amazing opportunities and time to do so many things during my adult life that I enjoyed. Grateful that I have my eyes to read and my ears to enjoy music. In this period of isolation, I have even more time to enjoy the simple things in life. I feel a surge of happiness sitting in my lovely garden, looking up at the sky through beautiful oak trees, and watching the birds and squirrels who flutter and fight at the birdfeeders. Are they grateful? It does not matter. Most of all, I am lucky to be me and grateful to know it.

LOOKING FOR SOCIALLY DISTANCED, OUTDOOR ART ACTIVITIES IN OUR AREA? CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING:

stuartmainstreet.org/our-city/murals

for a list of downtown murals to visit Sign up for the Martin County Arts & Culture Trail to find out the latest happenings in our region: discovermartin.com/martin-county-

arts-culture-trail

Stroll around the Gazebo located next to the Arts Council to see the new sculptural exhibit Walk or bike to a registered Little Free Library found on this map. Pick up a book to enjoy for free or drop one off for others to enjoy:

littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap

ARTS & HEALING

ARTS FOUNDATION PLANS TO GROW NEW ART THERAPY FUND

Research demonstrates that fostering creative arts in healthcare interventions can contribute to many positive outcomes when services are integrated into medical treatment and community prevention and wellness programs. Some of the benefits include: • Reduced lengths of hospital stays • Decreased need for multiple medical visits • Increased self-esteem and reductions in stress • Reduced reports of pain and anxiety related to illness and invasive treatment • Reduced healthcare-related infection rates • Decreased need for use of sedatives during medical procedures • Reduced levels of depression and improvements in quality of life Thankfully, generous donors like donor Sandra Robbins who honored her parents with a gift to establish the Betty and Sheldon Robbins Therapeutic Arts Fund in our community. The Arts Foundation for Martin County plans to grow the Betty & Sheldon Robbins Therapeutic Music Fund to make a meaningful impact within the community. For more information about the fund, please visit contact Nancy Turrell, CEO, at 772.288-5397 ext 4.

Jan Rudd, in her mid-sixties, signed up to learn to dance at Fred Astair Studio in Stuart just before the pandemic hit. Instead of giving up, she and her partner continued lessons and practiced daily. Jan said the experience was challenging both physically and mentally and a lot of fun. She enjoyed learning something new and ended up competing in front of judges when restrictions eased up. “Our introduction to ballroom dancing during this difficult year has truly been a gift,” said Jan.

Susan Clifford uses broken jewelry, buttons, glass and shells to enhance her whimsical, acrylic canvas portraits. She completed one portrait a week for 13 weeks to help her “retain her sanity” during the lockdown. She entitled the series her “Covid Cuties.” For local artist Sue Klahne the creative process is more than just making pretty things. She believes art allows her an escape and brings her peace and solace during these challenging times.